Young football prospects are maturing at a faster rate than we have witnessed in the past. As kids turn to trainers at earlier ages, focus on the long-term picture in terms of what football could mean for their future, and put in the work needed to develop, this trend won't be stopping anytime soon.

The class of 2014 in Louisiana was much heralded with names like Leonard Fournette and Malachi Dupre sweeping the headlines, but could 2016 be even better?

In short: Yes, it could.

While 2014 was stellar at the skill positions, there weren't many top-level big bodies in the trenches. While Parkway quarterback Brandon Harris was a national recruit, there weren't any other quarterbacks drawing national attention. The 2016 class couldn't be any more different as the depth on the defensive line is rare and there are a plethora of quarterbacks who could play big-time football.

The list will change as more prospects emerge over time, but here is the first edition of the Fantastic 40 for 2016 (20-11). In what could be a banner year, there are plenty of prospects who could reach national-recruit status.

20. Bladrick Veal, QB, 6-4, 195, Southern Lab

This long, smooth quarterback has all the tools to be a really good quarterback. While is a pretty good athlete that can create with his legs, he is a passer first and foremost and has improved greatly over the past 18 months. He still has some work to do in refining his throwing motions and footwork, but the pieces are there for a highly recruited prospect.

19. CJ Morgan, CB, 5-9, 175, Parkway

Morgan is a fiery, explosive cornerback that plays with a high level of confidence and technique. He possesses great makeup speed to coincide with his technical work and ball-skills. He is floating around 20 offers already as schools view him as a lockdown type man-to-man cover corner. The cliché "he plays bigger than his size" is often used and that is definitely fitting for Morgan.

18. Tre Turner, RB, 5-11, 190, Holy Cross

If you're looking for a home run threat at running back make sure you look up Turner. He only needs a crease and he is gone showing great acceleration and top end speed. He has added some good weight over the last year and is a very high character kid. If he can improve his ability to make defenders miss in the open field he could really take his game to another level.

17. Jamal Pettigrew, TE, 6-5, 220, St. Augustine

It's hard to find all-around tight ends these days that can be a threat as a receiver and a force as an in-line blocker. Pettigrew is a throw-back of sorts in that sense as he displays soft hands and both the technique and willingness to be a high-level blocker. He is extremely long and uses his length very well to catch the ball extended from his body and to engage with defenders from a distance when blocking.

16. Willie Baker, DE, 6-6, 200, Livonia

Baker suffered a major leg injury last fall, but has recovered nicely. He has tremendous length and good athleticism, which is enough to garner attention from college coaches. As of now, he is extremely thin, but should be able to fill out over time although it's unlikely he will ever "blow up" per se. However, he has a good first step, natural bend and flexibility and plays the game with a high motor. In the end, he should be a big time prospect.

15. Michael Divinity, LB, 6-3, 210, John Ehret

For all the athletes Louisiana produces, there haven't been many top level linebackers over the years. Divinity would like to do his part in changing that. He is a smooth athlete that could be a three-down linebacker at the next level due to his ability to cover. There are a lot of parts he needs to fine tune over the next couple of years, but the tools are there for him to be a top-flight linebacker.

14. Clyde Leflore, WR, 6-1, 170, Warren Easton

This lanky, unimposing figure may fool you on his first impression. Once the whistle blows, though, he is one of the first that will likely standout. Yes. He has some work to do in the weight room and working on his skillset as a receiver, but the raw ability is there and he has a knack for the dramatic play. His body control is superb, which allows him to reel in the tough catch. His future is in his hands as the amount of work he puts in over the next two tears may determine his future.

13. Briston Guidry, DT, 6-3, 260, Rummel

Guidry gets lost in the shuffle when it comes to message board chatter or all the publicity as some of his counterparts at the position, but this cat can flat out play. He plays with a lot of passion, a high motor and has a very powerful lower body. His frame may cap out just short of 300 pounds, which is perfect for him to play the 3-technique in some schemes or the 5-technique in other schemes because he will be able to maintain his quickness. He is a terror for opposing linemen to block.

12. Andraez Williams, CB, 6-1, 170, Calvary Baptist

Williams is one of those guys that has yet to see his name mentioned with the best, but once everyone gets a chance to lay their eyes on this speedy, long cornerback that should change. He runs a sub 10.8-100 meters and should end up 6 feet 2 or more before he stops growing. He excels in press coverage right now using his length to stymy receivers at the line and has the hip fluidity to turn and run with anyone. He is a little raw right now, but he is young and could develop into one of the premier cornerbacks in the region.

11. Sci Martin, DE, 6-4, 200, McDonogh 35

There is an ever-prevalent need for long, athletic pass-rushers on the edge and Martin fits the mold perfectly. Though he only weighs around 200 pounds right now, he has the frame and growth potential to be in the 6-5, 245-pound range early in his collegiate career. He has a quick first step, a good burst when closing on the ball carrier and a natural feel as a pass rusher. Martin isn't cemented at the No. 17 spot as he is the kind of guy that could slip a little if he doesn't develop or blow up the boards if he can take that next step in improving his game.

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James Smith previously worked as a talent evaluator for Elite Scouting and Max Emfinger and has served on the selection committees of various high school All-American games. He can be reached at jsmith2@nola.com or 504.826.3405.